Joint mobilization for treating spine pain in St. Louis, MO

Spine Mobilization

Physical therapists are known for using hands-on treatment methods known as manual therapy. These are treatments in which the physical therapist mobilizes and manipulates your soft tissue and joints to help improve your physical condition.

When it comes to back pain, physical therapists may use joint mobilization techniques on your spine.

Why would you need joint mobilization for spine pain?

Each section of the spine is composed of several joints that provide you with the ability to bend and twist your back. Injuries and chronic conditions can affect these joints, which may impede your ability to move your back. 

Joint mobilization can help you regain the use of your spine by treating the effects of injuries and conditions on the joints in your spine. There are several benefits to treating spine pain with joint mobilization, including:

  • It helps reduce spine pain — Joint mobilization helps reduce pressure off the nerves around your joints. One method of doing this in your spine is to gently separate each vertebra to help them release pressure and realign correctly.
  • It can increase the range of motion in your spine — Joint mobilization can help increase the flexibility of the joint and the soft tissue around it. This can improve your range of motion, allowing you to bend and twist further.
  • It can improve your autonomic nervous system — The autonomic nervous system is responsible for controlling your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing. Joint mobilization can improve your body’s regulation of the autonomic nervous system, which can help you resist inflammation that causes pain and limited range of motion.
  • It can reduce your dependency on medication — Treating pain and improving your range of motion with manual therapy can reduce your need for drugs and medication. This is beneficial because they often come with negative side effects that impact your quality of life. 

Visit Excel Sports and Physical Therapy in St. Louis, MO, for joint mobilization

Back pain can keep you from enjoying your favorite activities and spending time with the people you love. Don’t let back pain control your life. Contact Excel Sports and Physical Therapy in St. Louis, Missouri, today for more information about joint mobilization or to schedule an initial appointment.